Year after year, the NEET exam results have been foreboding for the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, as they remain staunch opponents of these exams nationwide. The latest revelation from the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 4 June 2024, brought surprising news after eight students from Tamil Nadu clinched top ranks in the NEET exams despite the DMK’s persistent criticism of the tests. These students have consistently displayed outstanding performance through sheer dedication and a fervent desire to pursue medical careers.
Tamil Nadu witnessed a notable increase in its NEET pass percentage, reaching 58.4% compared to last year’s 54.4%. Moreover, the state surpassed the national average of 56.4%. Notably, a significant number of Tamil Nadu students secured positions within the top 100 ranks, with eight individuals from the state claiming the coveted All India Rank 1 in the NEET UG 2024 examination. This accomplishment reaffirms Tamil Nadu students’ exceptional academic prowess. In the previous year, Prabanjan J from Tamil Nadu emerged as a national joint topper, attaining a remarkable percentile of 99.99 alongside Bora Varun Chakravarthi from Andhra Pradesh.
In the current year, eight students—Syed Aarifin Yusuf M, Shailaja S, Aditya Kumar Panda, Sriram P, Rajaneesh P, Jayathi Poorvaja M, Rohith R, and Sabareesan S—from Tamil Nadu achieved a flawless 99.99 percentile, securing the topmost ranks. Notably, Syed Aarifin Yusuf M leads among male candidates, while Shailaja stands out as the top performer in the female category.
This year saw a notable rise in the number of NEET candidates, totalling 1,52,920—an increase of 8,404 from the previous year. Out of these, 89,426 candidates qualified in the NEET, marking an increase of 10,000 from the previous year. Additionally, 36,333 students took the exam in Tamil, showcasing the language’s popularity as a medium for examination.
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who serves as the Youth Welfare and Sports Development minister, have taken a firm stance against the recent achievements and acceptance of the state’s students. They have embarked on a new approach to address this issue.
CM MK Stalin, through his official handle on social media platform X, expressed his views, stating, “Trends emerging from the latest #NEET results have once again vindicated our principled opposition to the exam. Issues such as question paper leaks, clustering of toppers at specific centres, and award of marks, which are mathematically impossible, under the guise of grace marks highlight the pitfalls of the current Union Government’s centralisation. These events emphasise the need to restore the preeminence of State governments’ and school education system’s role in determining criteria for professional course selection. We reiterate: * NEET and other entrance examinations are anti-poor. * They undermine federal polity. * They are against social justice. * They impact the availability of doctors in deserving areas. Let’s join hands to eradicate this malady. That day is not far!”
Udhayanidhi Stalin echoed his father’s sentiments through his official X account, affirming, “The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led by leader @mkstalin will not rest without putting an end to the fraudulent exam called NEET which is against social justice, the progress of grassroots people and state rights. #BanNEET”
Contrary to claims that NEET is discriminatory and against social justice, numerous success stories from economically disadvantaged backgrounds refute such assertions. Each result day brings forth tales of perseverance and triumph from students hailing from underprivileged households, showcasing their resilience and determination. Two such instances from this year serve as compelling examples.
Subalakshmi, a student from Mayiladuthurai, soared in the NEET 2024 exam with an impressive score of 639 out of 720. Her achievement stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring students, as she emphasizes the importance of self-study over costly coaching centers. Despite facing financial constraints—her father works as a flower seller—Subalakshmi’s unwavering dedication led her to secure a seat in a government college. This success came after a previous attempt where she fell short and had to forego a private college due to exorbitant fees. Subalakshmi’s message resonates with many, affirming that NEET provides an equal opportunity for middle-class students like herself to pursue a career in medicine.
Similarly, Mamatha from Villupuran, whose parents work as an auto driver and a coolie, pursued her dream of becoming a doctor despite facing initial setbacks. With a one-year break dedicated to preparation, Mamatha’s persistence paid off as she achieved a score of 558 on her first attempt. Her journey is a testament to the notion that NEET, often perceived as daunting, is indeed conquerable. Hailing from a lower-middle-class background, Mamatha’s story inspires others to persevere, regardless of their economic status.
These individual triumphs amidst challenges reflect a larger trend of increasing participation in the NEET exam from Tamil Nadu. Despite economic hurdles, more students are attempting the exam, driven by awareness and determination.
Parents, such as Kavitha from Madurai, voice support for NEET, recognizing its significance for economically disadvantaged families. They view NEET as a fair opportunity for their children to pursue higher education without the burden of exorbitant fees. Similarly, students like Sandhiya from Trichy emphasize the importance of reservation policies in leveling the playing field for underprivileged students.
Kavitha said, “This is our daughter’s second attempt. She didn’t clear the exam in her first attempt due to low marks. A girl from a village has come once again saying that she will study and pass it. She has come for her second attempt and studied in a government school. As far as I’m concerned, it’s good to have NEET because we are poor and can’t afford to pay heavy sums and enroll. NEET is common for all, if we pass we’ll get a seat, otherwise not. If there is no NEET, those of us who do not have ten lakhs, what shall we do? We are farmers. Instead, we will arrange a wedding for our daughter.” She took pride in her daughter’s resilience as she embarked on her second attempt, despite studying in Tamil medium. She was content with the fact that NEET allowed her daughter to take the exam in her preferred language. Additionally, she emphasized that NEET was advantageous for the economically disadvantaged, while only the affluent tend to oppose it.
Another student, identifying herself as Sandhiya from Mannachanallur, Trichy, conveyed to the reporters, “Last year I gave my first attempt and this is my second attempt. After a year of self-study and coaching by myself, I’m attempting for the second time. Botany and Zoology were easy and like last year, Physics was a little tough, but Chemistry was a bit better. What I am trying to say is that some are saying now that NEET should be done with, (with hesitation). It is unnecessary because there is 7.5% reservation for government school students, right, and because of that even poor people are becoming doctors, so NEET is very important.”
Afterward, she recommended that students focus on the NCERT syllabus for their studies. She shared her own experience of attending a government school and highlighted the challenges her family faced in securing a private seat. With a score of 380 marks and the benefit of reservation, she emphasized how crucial it is for individuals to capitalize on reservation opportunities, as it could secure admission into government colleges.
Another student observed that the NEET exam has leveled the playing field for government school students aspiring to become doctors, “Because of NEET, government school students are able to become doctors or else only private school (students) alone were becoming doctors because it was based on marks, with the help of NEET many government schools students are entering into medical schools, this is a happy development.”
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These narratives highlight the positive impact of NEET in providing equal opportunities for all aspiring doctors. Despite political rhetoric and attempts to sow fear and uncertainty, students remain focused on their goals, determined to overcome obstacles and fulfill their dreams. Ultimately, the success stories emerging from NEET serve as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of Tamil Nadu’s aspiring medical professionals.
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